Vienna History

In comparison to many capital cities, not a great deal exists on record about the history of Vienna. This is not to say that nothing is known, but rather that the city has had a relatively turbulence-free development when compared with many of Europe’s major cities. Vienna’s most notable characteristics that stem from its history originate largely from events of the Middle Ages.

Early days

Vienna was founded around 500 BC and was originally a small and short-lived Celtic settlement, which was later to be replaced by a Roman settlement that became a garrison town under the name Vindobona. In the 10th century, the area gained importance when it became the home of the Babenburg Dynasty then later in 1278, its profile was further raised when it fell to Rudolf of Habsburg. While it became an important part of the Habsburg Dynasty, the city was still considered lower in importance than Prague, Linz and Graz with regards to being the premier imperial residence.

Middle Ages

An attack by the Turks in 1529 saw the city fall under siege and a period of Turkish control ensued for over a century. Following the removal of the Turks in 1683, during what is commonly known as the Battle of Vienna, the Hasburgs established a permanent court in the city and this gave way to an influx of aristocrats who had benefited from the Turkish wars and sought to spend their money building summer residences and palaces. In this period, some of the city’s finest architecture was spawned.

Later times

The city gained status as the capital of the Austrian Empire in 1804 then a little over a century later, following WWI, it became the capital of the first Austrian Republic. During WWII, its capital status was relinquished to Berlin but restored as peace was restored.